The defending state champions Simeon Wolverines kicked off their 2013-2014 season with a 76-60 win over the (4-1) Hamilton Wildcats (Memphis, TN) on Saturday evening at the Chicago Elite Classic located at the UIC Pavilion.
“We were anxious to get out there,” Simeon senior small forward Jaycee Hillsman said. “We have been working for this one game for three straight months.”
“We wanted to show everyone that we are still the best team in the state,” said Simeon junior small forward Dennis Williams. “We didn’t lose any weapons from last year. I think we actually got better. So, we’re going to keep fighting because right now we’re hungry for that fifth state championship.”
The Wolverines came out firing shooting a respectful 48 percent from the field in the first half and sizzling 66.7 percent in the second.
[pullquote]“We gave the ball to whoever had the hot hand,” said Simeon head coach Robert Smith. “I believe right now we can reach down our bench and continue to be the same winning team. We’re that deep.”[/pullquote]
Coach Smith believed overall his team played well, but could improve defensively and become a better rebounding team.
While Simeon displayed their championship aspirations, the Hamilton Wildcats showed how their up-tempo pace can be a strength but also a weakness.
“We’re an up-tempo team,” said Hamilton Wildcats head coach Keelon Lawson. “We’re going to have turnovers. I don’t really worry about turnovers because we’re trying to get the ball up and down the court very fast. So, I can live with turnovers.”
Despite a significant amount of turnovers, Wildcats junior small forward Keelon Lawson managed to score 27 points.
Final Score: Simeon 76, Hamilton (Memphis, TN.) 60
As Hamilton looks to bounce back against the (1-3) Mitchel Tigers on Dec. 10, Simeon plans to stay focused and continue the one-game winning streak as they take on the (1-5) Harlan Falcons on Dec. 10.
